The Sniffling and Sneezing Season is Here, Say Respiratory Therapists

For Immediate Release 

IRVING , TX (September 7, 2006) — It's the same thing every year — as soon as the temperatures cool down, the allergies flare up. But seasonal allergies don't have to ruin your fall fun, say respiratory therapists from the American Association for Respiratory Care. The key is knowing how to handle them.

“Some of the worst pollen of the year comes in the fall, especially ragweed,” says Linda A. Smith, BS, RRT, a staff therapist at Bay State Medical, Inc., in Hanover , MD.  ” Also, mold grows throughout the summer and the spores are ripe to become airborne with one good breeze.”

Seasonal allergies hit people with asthma particularly hard because their airways are already inflamed and hypersensitive. “One common type of asthma is allergic asthma,” says Smith. ” When people with allergic asthma are exposed to their allergens they can have a full blown asthma attack, possibly requiring a trip to the doctor.”

Regardless of what causes your allergies, however, treatment consists of two components — medications and environmental control. People with seasonal allergies benefit from antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroids, all of which are designed to minimize symptoms. Those with allergic asthma often require “controller” medications to treat the underlying inflammation causing the condition, and “rescue” medications to help relieve symptoms during an acute attack. 

When it comes to environmental control, Smith says seasonal allergy sufferers should keep windows closed and use a clothes dryer rather than hang clothes outside to dry. Staying inside when the wind picks up is a good idea too. “The pollen becomes airborne and is much more easily inhaled,” she says. “The pollen also lands on your hair and clothing.” A quick shower and hair wash, along with clean clothes, can help remove those allergens once you come back inside. 

People with allergic asthma may have indoor allergies as well, so cleanliness indoors is a must too. “Changing the bedclothes weekly, not having carpet, and limiting or eliminating stuffed animals all help to reduce the asthmatic response,” says Smith.

It goes without saying that no one with allergies or asthma should ever smoke or allow themselves to be exposed to secondhand smoke from others.

Smith says respiratory therapists are experts in helping patients get the most out of their allergy and asthma care. “The respiratory therapist can educate the patient about the allergen/antibody reaction and how to avoid the allergen. The therapist can also educate the patient about their medications, including proper dose and technique of administration,” she says. 

Education is important, continues Smith, because people who understand their conditions are more likely to stick with their treatment. “The most compliant patient,” concludes the therapist, “is the most informed patient.”

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are specially trained and licensed respiratory health care professionals assisting physicians in diagnosis, treatment, and management of respiratory diseases. RTs provide care in hospitals, outpatient centers, physicians' offices, skilled nursing facilities, and patients' homes.

The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is a not-for-profit, professional organization, consisting of 40,000 respiratory therapists, physicians, and other health care professionals. AARC is dedicated to assisting persons with respiratory diseases receive safe and effective respiratory care. 

###

Contact:   Beth Binkley
Binkley@aarc.org
American Association For Respiratory Care
9425 N MacArthur Blvd, Suite 100 , Irving , TX 75063
972-406-4657, 927-243-2272
 

Allergies are a Big Problem

Allergies and asthma affect one out of every four Americans, report respiratory therapists from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). Here's a quick overview of the problem:

• Allergies and asthma can be managed with proper care and treatment, but there is no cure for either condition.

• Allergies may be inherited; children with one afflicted parent stand a one in three chance of developing allergies themselves. The odds increase to seven in ten if both parents have allergies.

• The most common outdoor allergens are grass and weed pollen; mold spores; dust mite and cockroach allergen; and cat, dog, and rodent dander.

• Allergies are the most common chronic condition in children, with more than 40 percent reporting limited activities due to their allergies.

• Hay fever is the 5 th leading chronic condition in adults, resulting in nearly 4 million lost or missed workdays per year.

• Allergies cost the economy nearly $7 billion each year. 

  For more information on respiratory health, visit the AARC's consumer web site, www.yourlunghealth.org .